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Getting Back To Feeling Like Herself – Louise’s Success Story

December 23, 2021 | Patient Success Stories
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Loss of balance, numbness, and shoulder pain. These are the symptoms Louise was experiencing for seven months before she could get any answers. It had gotten to a point where Louise had to use a cane to walk, she could not bend over without losing balance, and she was unable to continue working her catering job. After many doctors’ appointments, multiple imaging studies, and many months of frustration, a Schwannoma in her thoracic spine was found. Schwannoma is a rare tumor that forms when cells called “Schwann Cells,” whose purpose is to protect nerve cells, abnormally grow and divide. Surgery was successfully performed on August 25, 2021 to remove the tumor that spanned T1-T4. Louise then received physical therapy in her home to begin the recovery process.

She began with Phoenix Physical Therapy towards the end of September to continue her journey. A personalized program including strengthening, balance exercises, obstacle courses, and much more was created for Louise to get back to not only the simpler things like kneeling, but the things she loves doing. Now four months later, Louise has been able to return to her normal life. She has returned to catering, she no longer needs a cane to walk, and she is able to walk up and down stairs normally, even while carrying trays for her catering job! After months of searching for answers, Louise has made great strides towards putting this behind her. When asked about her journey, Louise says, “I feel more safe, confident and have more energy since starting physical therapy.” Phoenix Physical Therapy is glad to have been a part of Louise’s journey!

The entire Phoenix Physical Therapy Team is committed to providing our patients with quality physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in a safe and healthy clinic environment. We continue to follow the guidance provided by the CDC, WHO and public health officials to update you as new information becomes available. Let’s work together to keep each other safe and healthy.

The safety of our patients, communities and team members remains our top priority. We know you have a choice in your care providers and appreciate your commitment to Phoenix and our qualified clinicians.

Here are the actions we have taken to keep our patients, communities and team healthy & safe:

  • Flexible scheduling allows for social distancing
  • Regular cleaning and sanitation of all clinic surfaces
  • Facemasks must be worn by all Phoenix staff and are recommended for all patients
  • Screening questionnaire and temperature checks prior to entering clinics
  • 6 feet of social distancing throughout the clinics

Keeping Our Clinics Safe

Here are some tips on how we can keep each other safe:

  • Handwashing is your best self-defense against the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty, use at least a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Please stay home if you are not feeling well, especially if you have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or are experiencing shortness of breath. If a patient shows up with symptoms, the clinic team will work with them to reschedule.
  • Be vigilant. If you have traveled to any of the countries where there are outbreaks of the virus, please follow guidance from the CDC website and our Travel Guidelines.

Here are actions we are taking to keep our clinics clean and safe:

  • Equipment will be wiped down after EVERY use with antibacterial wipes/sprays
  • All surfaces that patients or staff may touch including door handles, countertops, seating, pens at sign-in, bathroom and all other common areas will be disinfected regularly
  • Treatment tables will be 6 feet apart
  • Team members will wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing their nose, coughing or sneezin
  • Clinics will have hand sanitizer available at the front desk and in the treatment areas
  • Any Phoenix team members who are ill will be asked to stay home
  • We will maintain social distancing between patients in the clinic
  • Caregivers that are bringing a patient to the clinic should wait in their car or come back when the appointment has ended unless necessary (i.e. minor requiring a guardian or for assistance needs)
  • When possible, we will treat patients in private rooms to increase social distancing
  • Any patients that have underlying health issues (i.e. diabetes, respiratory problems, etc.) will be given the option to be seen during special clinic hours or can opt to be treated in a private room away from other clinicians and patients
  • All patients should be self-screening before entering the clinic. Our PCCs will perform a secondary screening during the check-in process and before patients enter the clinic including a screening questionnaire and temperature check.
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